[simoon]

Less than $1500 shipped from Hong Kong.




There's also this one at less than $800 shipped.

[BobM]

Looks pretty, but if ther are problems the shipping back could kill you. Also, how will it be paid for so you are protected?

[simoon]

Both of these come in kit form. The same seller sells the motors, belts, bearings etc separately.

If there was a problem, the entire TT would not have to be shipped back, only the defective part. I don't think the gamble is with reliability, but with sound quality.

He's an eBay seller with a long history of good reviews.

[jtsnead]

you know I hear/see some people complaining about products
from China, I have bought two sets of speaker cables, Audioquest
Gilbraltor w/o battery stuff and XLO HTP12 both under $200 shipped
and these are not copies but very good values, the XLO is better in my
system, takes a while for shipping, had good contact with both sellers,
If he has a good record I would not worry too much it looks like it would
be a good sounding table. I would look local for a table in the same price range
to be sure, I probally would look at a Clearaudio table with the magnetic
bearing (it just intriques me). I f you do not not have an arm look up
the Trans-fi Terminator also a great buy.

Best of Luck

[Photon46]

If you care about such things, I'd be very concerned about resale value of overseas products with no us distributors and little to no advertising. I've learned the hard way that low brand recognition will bite you in the gluteus maximus when it comes time for resale. If you find a great product for a low price that you'll keep long enough to not care about resale, go for it. Just be aware that $1500 will buy you any number of killer tables at used prices which will retain much of their value.

[Marbles]

If you really wanted a turntable, and have done your homework, then I'd probably go for it.

Having said that, advances in computer audio/ DACs now have it on par sonically with LP's/Turntables, and it is a lot more convenient than LP's/turntables.

[sts9fan]

I would be nervous about the quality of the motor and the bearings. 

[twitch54]

I would be nervous about the quality of the motor and the bearings.

I tend to agree as well.

[macrojack]

Put that money in an envelope and send it to me. I might send you something in return and it might work and you might be able to get your money back by selling it to someone else if there is another person like you to buy it used. Or maybe I'll just take your money and leave you wondering how you could have been so stupid. Or you could buy a good used table from an Audiogon member with excellent feedback or you could get something from one of your many friends on AC or you could buy a new Technics DD. Or, if you are a DIY type you could get an older piece and refurb it. Lots of choices but probably just sending me the money and hoping would work out best. At least the funds would stay in our country because I don't shop at WalMart.

[vinyl_guy]

Having said that, advances in computer audio/ DACs now have it on par sonically with LP's/Turntables, and it is a lot more convenient than LP's/turntables.

more convenient, yes; sonically on par? not yet IMO

[lonewolfny42]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Timaudio-DIY-FFYX-0931-Turntable-/350329618144?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519145bee0

[simoon]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Timaudio-DIY-FFYX-0931-Turntable-/350329618144?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519145bee0

Thanks, lonewolf, I didn't post the link, did I?

[Marbles]

more convenient, yes; sonically on par? not yet IMO

One of us hasn't heard the right system 

[SET Man]

Hey!

    I don't know. There are lots interesting stuffs coming out of China lately. 

    But for $1500 I would wait and look for something like a used Clearaudio table if acrylic is your thing.

....

Having said that, advances in computer audio/ DACs now have it on par sonically with LP's/Turntables, and it is a lot more convenient than LP's/turntables.

    Hmmm... if we are talking about Redbook CD ripped on to HDD here than I will say not so fast.

    OK, my CD front end ain't expensive but from what I've heard over the years I haven't found a CD playback system that I think would be as good as good as analog. CD playback these days are more listenable but not quite enjoyable and emotionally immersed like the analog playback. But I guess that is just me. 

Take care,
Buddy

[Marbles]

Buddy, have you heard Steve Nugents stuff?

[Elizabeth]

One factor not mentioned by the others is the uniqueness. that is actually THE big factor in such a purchase. No one would have a turntable like it. IF that matters to you a great deal AND you can afford to lose $1,500. .. then buy it and take the chance. If it's uniqueness does not matter much, or you cannot afford to lose $1,500. then do not buy it, the risk in various forms is too great.
As said: resale is near zero. repair is very very difficult. For $1,500 it is a throw of the dice, with a win, you get a cool looking unique TT you cannot sell, with iffy repair if needed, if you lose, then you have nothing except a $1,500 hole in your pocket, a pile of useless acrylic, and a sad cautionary tale to tell others.

[jules]

If the motor, bearings and platter are the same in both models, the $800 looks like a better deal. Good Chinese products are great value, particularly while they're relatively unknown and still working to make a name for themselves. Of course there is some junk around but there's an opportunity to buy stuff now that will undoubtedly be more expensive in a few years time.

jules